Air Marshal deserves Bharat Ratna !
Arjan Singh, Indian Air
Force's only five-star
officer, was a unique
towering personality. He
wore several hats in
varying fields
during government service and
post-retirement with dignity,
respect and style.
He started as a swimming
star in pre-Independence days in
Faislabad (Pakistan). From flying,
he turned to jet fighter-flying
where he earned world acclaim.
He rose as a war hero for
exploits in air and on the
ground. He flew as many 60
types of aircraft.
After his retirement from his
office in 'Air Headquaters', he
joined the diplomatic service. He
had another round of success in
sorting out many vexed
problems in Switzerland and in
other countries bringing laurels
to himself and to his country.
The word 'unique' sits serenely on
his face which is without any
discordant note, from the turban to
toe on his personality. The most
remarkable aspect of his illustrious
long service in the Air Force is that it
ended rousingly, as it had started,
without any controversy. He is a
worthy personality for (posthumous)
Bharat Ratna. To attain world acclaim
in such a long and abiding career
without a black dot is a lot.
Arjan Singh wore a larger-than-life
image. He possessed an inspiring
instincts and personality. Since
joining the Air Force in 1940, he
inspired many youngsters,
particularly Sikhs, to serve the country
by joining the Air Force. Then he
taught and guided their destinies. His
fragrance and image worked on the
minds of young Sikhs.
India, on September 18, 2017, bid
its legendary war warrior Marshal of
Air Force (IAF) an emotional and touching farewell with 21-gun salute
with the country's flag flying half-mast.
The ceremony at Brar Square was
full with politicians, bureaucrats and other dignitaries according him a
befitting farewell. He was rushed to
the Army Hospital for 'pain in heart' on
September 16. In less than two hours, he passed away. He was an individual
with 'golden heart'. His wife Tei had
passed away in 2011.
Arjan Singh wore a
larger than life image.
He possessed an
inspiring instincts. Since
joining air force in 1940,
inspired many
youngsters, particularly
Sikhs, to serve the
country by joining Air
Force. Then he taught
and guided their
destinies. His fragrance
and image worked on
the minds of young
Sikhs.
Air Chief Marshal Arjan Singh was
the country's leading long
distance river -swimmer in
Punjab (now Pakistan) in the
1940s and his daughter, Asha,
was also a leading Delhi swimmer
in mid-1960s. He had four
Punjab, four university and two
India records in swimming.
He headed the office of the
Swimming Federation of India
(SFI) for about a decade when he
resigned to join the Foreign
Service. In 1956, he was the
youngest Chef-de-Mission of
India for the 1956 Melbourne
Olympic Games.
Strictly teetotaller, regulated
food habit and a 9-hole round of
golf twice or a thrice a week were
the causes of his longevity. A
famous saying is 'eat an apple a
day and keep a physician out of reach'.
Arjun Singh's slogan was 'to play a
round of golf and keep the doctor
away'.
In a foreword to 'the Story of
Swimming by K.R.Wadhwaney', the
Chief Air Marshal in 2000 wrote: "... I
felt some officials had limited
knowledge and were there for
prestige and trips within the country
and abroad. It is necessary that they
have enough experience of that sport
before they aspire for positions in
federation. Only then can they
visualise the feelings of the
sportspersons....."
A physical fanatic, he mocked at me
when he saw me limping at the golf
course. When I requested him to write
a Foreword, he gladly agreed. When
I requested him for his new
telephone number, he said: "check
telephone book". He always had a wry
sense of humour.
K.R.Wadhwaney